Originally Posted by
Ancien Maestro
For example, we stayed at Trip Advisors #1 rated Family Hotel in the US.. 21 nights at Floridays, Orlando.. this past spring break. Reading the horrible reviews, I thought, ok.. I think my family can handle this. Just gotta make sure if I book with an owner, we've got daily towel refresh and regular room service. Problem arises.. GM handles the situation perfectly. I ended up giving them a 5 star review.. My only review posted in probably in 3 years.
Here is a problem for me. If this place is five stars, then what is a truly impeccable and luxurious establishment such as The Dorchester in London or the Plaza Athénée in Paris, 10 stars? Why would you give them five stars?
About 20 years ago when Zagat expanded to other cities outside their home base they printed a warning that restaurants were rated compared to each other
locally not nationally. Thus, if Daniel is a 28 (out of 30) for food in New York, you should not expect the same quality meal in a restaurant rated 28 in Indianapolis. I understand that approach although I do not agree with it.
Giving an establishment a high rating when it is the best of the lot, all of which are substandard, is like rating a restaurant "Best Sushi In Mogadishu."